A Pilot Study Using Mixed GPS/Narrative Interview Methods to Understand Geospatial Behavior in Homeless Populations

Abstract

Tracking the movements of homeless populations presents methodological difficulties, but understanding their movements in space and time is needed to inform optimal placement of services. This pilot study developed, tested, and refined methods to apply global positioning systems (GPS) technology paired with individual narratives to chronicle the movements of homeless populations. Detail of methods development and difficulties encountered and addressed, and geospatial findings are provided. A pilot sample of 29 adults was recruited from a low-demand homeless shelter in the downtown area of Fort Worth, Texas. Pre- and post-deployment interviews provided participant characteristics and planned and retrospectively-reported travels. Only one of the first eight deployments returned with sufficient usable data. Ultimately 19 participants returned the GPS device with >20 h of usable data. Protocol adjustments addressing methodological difficulties achieved 81 % of subsequent participants returning with sufficient usable data. This study established methods and demonstrated feasibility for tracking homeless population travels.

GPS Tracking Data on Marginalised Citizens’ Spatial Patterns: Towards Inclusive Urban Planning

“…So far, studies of marginalised citizens using GPS techniques have been applied in a limited number of cases (North et al, 2016;Šimon et al, 2019). In general, it is recognised that individuals within marginalised groups can be hard to reach out to and maintain contact with (Snow & Mulcahy, 2001).…”

“…Global positioning systems (GPS) offer novel possibilities for collecting data on the spatial behaviour of elusive populations (Aasi & Lee, 2020;Gasson et al, 2010). The use of GPS-based techniques for mapping the use of and preferences for urban spaces by the homeless and marginalised citizen groups is considered a unique method of increasing the evidence base for urban planning, and it can help improve public services and protected spaces for these citizens (North et al, 2016;Šimon et al, 2019). GPS/GIS technology has also been suggested as adding spatiotemporal information to qualitative information, as revealed from walk-along interviews (Martini, 2020).…”

Engaging veterans in the research process: a practical guide

“…November 2020 and is ongoing. The study follows work from other studies using GPS [24], EMA [25], and technology use among US veterans experiencing homelessness [26,27]. For this study, veterans have been primarily involved in the study design process, with their role forecasted to expand as the initial data collection phase shifts into analysis focused on mobile application development.…”

How Transportation Disadvantage Hinders Mobility, Service Access, and Exiting Homelessness

“…As noted earlier, the ability to move within and between communities is important for overall well-being and meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Typical forms of transportation used by people experiencing homelessness include public transit (e.g., buses and subways), bicycles, cars, and walking (Hui & Habib, 2014Jocoy & Del Casino, 2010;North et al, 2017;Zlotnick & Zerger, 2009). However, little to no transportation access is a common problem for homeless populations due to a lack of sufficient and stable income (Hui & Habib, 2016).…”